China has voiced robust backing for President Bola Tinubu’s government after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria.
At a Beijing press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared that Beijing “firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
She underlined that China stands beside Nigeria as the country “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” describing the two nations’ relationship as both strategic and long-lasting.
Ning was responding to reporters’ questions about Trump’s warning of possible armed intervention over the alleged mistreatment of Christians.
“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.
“China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Ning said.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, posted China’s statement on his X account the same day.
Onanuga has repeatedly rejected claims of religious bias or persecution on behalf of the Presidency.
Trump recently charged the Nigerian authorities with failing to shield Christians and suggested the U.S. might deploy troops.
Abuja has consistently refuted accusations of religious persecution, stressing its unwavering commitment to safeguarding freedom of worship.
President Bola Tinubu, addressing Trump’s comments, stated: “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.
Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
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